21 Fall Photoshoot Ideas for Entrepreneurs
There’s something almost magical about a fall photoshoot. The golden light streaming through colourful leaves, the excuse to wrap yourself in chunky knits, and the way autumn colours instantly make any photo look warmer and more inviting. If you’ve been meaning to refresh your brand photography, autumn might just be the perfect time to do it.
After 17 years as a professional brand photographer working with entrepreneurs and creators, I’ve come to love this season for content creation. The sun sits lower in the sky, casting that gorgeous golden hour glow that makes everyone look like they’ve been professionally lit. And let’s be honest, there’s something rather lovely about being able to hide multiple sins under a cosy jumper whilst still looking polished for the camera.
Most fall photography guides focus on family portraits, small children, and family sessions. This one is different. I’ve written this fall photoshoot guide specifically for entrepreneurs, content creators, and small business owners who want to capture stunning seasonal brand content, whether you’re working with professional photographers or using DIY techniques like the ones I teach in my Slay Your Selfies course. This guide is designed to help entrepreneurs create highly shareable content for Instagram, LinkedIn, websites, newsletters, and seasonal campaigns.
I’ve spent this autumn shooting my own brand photos at pumpkin patches, cosy cafés with twinkly lights, and even a bonfire night complete with sparklers. Everything I’m sharing here comes from real experience, including what works, what doesn’t, and how to get brilliant results without needing a photography degree.
Quick Fall Photoshoot Ideas (At a Glance)
Need fall photoshoot ideas fast? Here are the best options for entrepreneurs and creators:
- Strike a pose at a pumpkin patch with quirky pumpkins as props
- Capture golden hour walking shots through parks with colourful leaves
- Find a cosy café with twinkly lights and photograph yourself with a seasonal drink
- Use sparklers at bonfire night to light your face against a dramatic backdrop
- Set up an indoor shoot with candles, cosy blankets, and autumn-toned décor
- Lean against rustic fences or weathered wooden gates for instant countryside aesthetic
- Style a kitchen or home office scene with pumpkins, warm lighting, and chunky knits
- Shoot at golden hour on an autumn beach wearing layers and warm tones
- Frame yourself through branches with colourful leaves for artistic depth
- Batch content at a National Trust garden using your phone and tripod
Looking for more detail? Keep reading for the full breakdown of outdoor fall photoshoot ideas, indoor fall photoshoot ideas, styling tips, and location recommendations. If you need fall photoshoot inspo, Instagram is a goldmine for finding cafés and locations already styled for the season.
Best Month for a Fall Photoshoot
The best time for a fall photoshoot depends on what aesthetic you’re after and, if you’re in the UK like me, how much you’re willing to gamble on the weather.
Early autumn (September to early October) gives you that lovely transitional period where summer warmth lingers but the leaves are starting to turn. The light is softer, golden hour stretches longer, and you can still get away with lighter layers. This is a popular time for entrepreneurs who want to capture content before the seasonal rush.
Mid-season (mid-October to early November) is peak autumn aesthetic. This is when you’ll find the most vibrant fall colors, pumpkin patches in full swing, and cafés draped in twinkly lights. The crisp air makes for comfortable shooting conditions, and sweater weather means you can layer up stylishly.
Late autumn (November onwards) brings that moody, atmospheric quality with bare branches and dramatic skies. Bonfire night in the UK offers unique opportunities if you’re willing to brave the crowds and cold. I took some of my favourite sparkler shots this time of year, though I’ll admit I spent a fair bit of time hiding in the café waiting for gaps in the rain.
For entrepreneurs, one of the biggest advantages of shooting seasonal content is that golden hour and blue hour arrive much earlier in the day. No more waiting until 8pm for good light. You can capture beautiful content by late afternoon and still be home in time for dinner.
Pro tip: Shoot your autumn content early in the season. If you’re posting on social media or updating your website, having current seasonal imagery immediately makes you look up to date and regularly updating your content. Nothing says “I’ve abandoned my marketing” quite like beach photos in November. (I’m putting together a full seasonal content planning guide — keep an eye out for that one.)
Fall Photoshoot Clothes and Brand-Friendly Outfits
Choosing your fall photoshoot clothes is one of the most enjoyable parts of planning, and I say that as someone who appreciates any excuse to wear cosy knitwear professionally.
Fall Photoshoot Colour Palette
The most flattering fall photoshoot colors work with the natural environment rather than against it. Think warm tones that complement the golden leaves and rustic settings around you.
Colours that photograph beautifully in autumn:
- Burnt orange – the quintessential fall colour that works on almost everyone
- Deep burgundy – rich and sophisticated, perfect for coaches and consultants
- Golden yellow – adds warmth without being overpowering
- Navy blue – a timeless neutral that grounds autumnal palettes
- Dark brown – earthy and professional
- Cream and ivory – soft neutrals that catch the light beautifully
Usually, I recommend sticking to your brand colours for marketing consistency. But autumn is one time I’d encourage you to bring in those seasonal warm tones, even if your brand palette is normally cooler. A cream jumper or burnt orange scarf can add autumn vibes without completely departing from your usual aesthetic.
Fall Photoshoot Clothing That Works
Chunky knits and cosy jumpers are your best friends. They’re comfortable, they look expensive on camera, and they’re wonderfully forgiving. I’m a firm believer that autumn content creation is the perfect excuse to embrace clothes that aren’t quite so tight and revealing. Call it strategic styling.
Tartan scarves and checked shirts add visual interest and texture. If you’re in the UK, this is practically our autumn uniform anyway, so lean into it. Americans might call it “plaid,” but the effect is the same: instant cosy aesthetic.
Layering pieces like cardigans, jackets, and wraps give you outfit variety without needing to pack a full wardrobe. You can shoot multiple looks by adding or removing layers.
Accessories that elevate your look:
- Cute beanies and hats (keep hair from going wild in the wind)
- Leather gloves or mittens
- Knee-high boots or sturdy leather shoes
- Statement earrings that catch the light
What to avoid:
- Neon colours that clash with natural fall scenery
- Bright white shoes (they’ll be muddy within minutes and draw the eye away from your face)
- Anything you’ll be constantly adjusting or tugging at
- Fabrics that wrinkle dramatically the moment you sit down
Dressing Practically But Stylishly
You want to look like you’re dressed for the occasion: polished enough for professional content, practical enough to actually enjoy your shoot without freezing or falling over in inappropriate footwear.
Choose boots you can actually walk in. A pumpkin patch in stilettos is a recipe for disaster, mud, and potentially an A&E visit. Sturdy boots with a low heel or flat sole will serve you far better.
Layer strategically so you can adjust to temperature changes. Autumn weather is unpredictable, and you might find yourself adding or shedding layers as you move between shaded spots and sunshine.
Fall Photoshoot Ideas for Entrepreneurs and Content Creators
Here’s where it gets fun. Fall photo shoots are incredibly versatile for entrepreneurs, and these autumn photoshoot ideas are specifically designed for creators who want scroll-stopping content that actually serves their marketing.
Outdoor Fall Photoshoot Ideas
1. The Pumpkin Patch Session
Pumpkin patches aren’t just for families — they’re brilliant for brand photography too. The variety of colours, textures, and quirky pumpkins makes for endlessly interesting backdrops.
Position yourself near interesting pumpkin displays or rustic fencing. Hold a pumpkin or two as props, look for unusual shapes and colours rather than just the standard orange, and use the patch’s natural decorations as your set design.
Go early or go midweek. I’d recommend visiting early in the day or later in the week when crowds are thinner. Nothing ruins a brand photo quite like random strangers wandering through your shot.
2. Leaning Against Rustic Fences
Fences are underrated as photography props. They give you something to do with your body, create natural leading lines, and instantly add that countryside aesthetic.
Look for weathered wooden fences, especially near fields or parks where autumn colours are visible behind you. Lean casually, cross your ankles, and let the environment do the heavy lifting.
I got one of my favourite autumn shots leaning against a fence near a house, just by noticing the setting while out with my family and thinking “that would make a lovely backdrop.” Sometimes the best locations appear when you’re not actively looking.
3. Golden Hour Walks
The golden hour in autumn is genuinely spectacular. With the sun sitting lower in the sky, you get beautiful backlighting that creates an almost ethereal glow around your hair and shoulders.
Plan walks through parks, along country lanes, or anywhere with trees. The light filtering through golden leaves creates a natural filter that no editing app can truly replicate.
This is also brilliant for candid moments, walking shots feel natural and relaxed, and they’re easier to pose than standing still.
4. Autumn Leaves and Woodland Settings
Find locations where colourful leaves create a natural frame for your shots. I love shooting through things, positioning branches with autumn leaves in the foreground creates a lovely frame around the subject and adds depth to your images.
Look for parks, botanical gardens, or woodland paths. Even a tree-lined suburban street can work beautifully at the right time of day.
5. Cosy Cafés with Twinkly Lights
I find most of my best café locations on Instagram, searching for places in cities I’m visiting and looking for that autumn aesthetic. I’ll travel quite a long way for the right shot, because it genuinely makes such a huge difference.
Look for cafés with twinkly lights (these photograph beautifully), autumn decorations, exposed brick, or that general cosy aesthetic. Position yourself near windows for natural light, or use the café’s ambient lighting for a moodier feel.
Holding a warm drink gives you something to do with your hands and adds to the autumn atmosphere. Apple cider, pumpkin spice lattes, or a simple mug of tea — they all work.
6. Hot Drinks and Apple Cider Moments
Speaking of drinks, they make excellent props. A steaming mug held in both hands is the universal symbol for “cosy autumn vibes.”
Seek out autumn-flavoured drinks at seasonal cafés. The orange tones of apple cider or chai lattes complement the fall colour palette perfectly.
7. Quirky Pumpkins as Props
Standard orange pumpkins are fine, but the interesting ones — warty, white, striped, miniature — add visual interest and become instant conversation starters.
Your local pumpkin patch or farm shop will have unusual varieties. Yes, they cost more. No, your accountant won’t understand. But they’re worth it for the character they add to your shots.
8. Sparklers and Fireworks
This one requires a bit of planning, but the results are absolutely worth it. I took some of my favourite autumn shots at a bonfire night event, and I learned a few things that might help you.
Don’t be put off by crowds. I brought my tripod and clicker, positioned myself so I could capture the fireworks behind me, and took lots of photos looking up at the sky in different ways. You only need a few to work.
Wait for the crowd to thin. Once the fireworks finished and everyone started heading to their cars, I had much more space to work with.
We lit sparklers, and here’s the clever bit: I held the sparkler in front of my face while standing with the bonfire behind me. The sparkler lit my face (which would otherwise have been dark with the light source behind me), while the bonfire created atmosphere in the background. Combined with my cosy autumn clothes, it made for really striking images.
And bonus: we got back to the car park after everyone had left, so no queuing in the muddy field. Sometimes patience pays off in multiple ways.
9. Dealing with Autumn Weather
Let’s be realistic: autumn weather can be unpredictable. I’ve absolutely had shoots where it was chucking it down with rain, and the only solution was to hide out in a café until there was a gap in the weather.
Don’t let grey skies put you off entirely. Overcast light is actually very flattering for portraits — it’s soft and even, with no harsh shadows. And dramatic clouds can add atmosphere to your images.
That said, have a backup plan. Know where the nearest café or covered area is, and be prepared to wait it out.
Indoor Fall Photoshoot Ideas
10. Candles and Warm Lighting
If you’re photographing indoors, candles are your secret weapon for instant autumn atmosphere. Group several together for visual impact, and let their warm glow add to the cosy feeling.
Position yourself near the candles but not so close that the lighting becomes harsh or you look like you’re performing a séance.
11. Cosy Blanket Setups
A cosy blanket draped over your shoulders or across your lap instantly signals autumn comfort. Choose textures that photograph well — chunky knits, soft wool, or cable patterns all work beautifully. (Bonus: if your heating’s on the blink, you’ll actually be warm.)
This works particularly well for coaches, wellness practitioners, or anyone whose brand emphasises comfort and nurturing.
12. Kitchen and Home Office Shoots
If your brand involves cooking, baking, or working from home, lean into the autumn aesthetic with seasonal props. Pumpkins on your desk. Candles flickering. Your best chunky knit doing the heavy lifting.
Even if your content isn’t specifically about autumn, these touches make your imagery feel current — and nobody needs to know you shot it all in one caffeine-fuelled afternoon.
Self-Portrait and Tripod-Friendly Ideas
13. The “Family as Human Tripod” Method
Here’s something I’ve refined over years of DIY content creation: instead of asking family members to actually take your photos (which often ends in frustration), get them to be your tripod.
Have them hold your phone, put it on selfie mode with a timer, and let you see exactly how the photo is looking before they take it. You can adjust the framing yourself, get the pose right, and use a clicker to take the shot when you’re ready.
This way, you’re in control of the result, and your family members don’t need any photography skills whatsoever. They just need to hold the phone still, which is a much lower bar.
I should mention: plan what you want to achieve before you arrive. Your family probably won’t want to be doing this for ages, so have 3 priority shots in mind and aim for those. If you get more, brilliant. If you push your luck, you risk having an argument — which will absolutely show in your photos.
14. Strategic Tripod Positioning
For solo shoots, a good tripod and remote clicker are essential investments. Position your tripod, frame the shot using selfie mode so you can see yourself, and use the timer or remote to capture multiple shots. (I’ve got a detailed self-portrait guide in the works — coming soon.)
Look for natural elements to work with: benches, trees to lean against, café windows to gaze out of. These give you something to interact with and make poses feel more natural.
Batch your content in one session. It’s far more efficient than trying to capture individual shots throughout the season. Aim for variety in your poses and backgrounds, but keep your outfit cohesive so the images work together.
Fall Photoshoot Poses That Always Work
Knowing what to do with your body is half the battle. Here are fall photoshoot poses that work beautifully for entrepreneurs and creators. (I’m working on a full posing guide — watch this space.)
Leaning poses are universally flattering. Lean against a tree, fence, or wall with one shoulder, cross your ankles, and let your body relax into a natural angle. This works particularly well with rustic autumn backdrops.
Walking shots capture movement and feel less staged than standing still. Walk slowly towards or past the camera, looking ahead or glancing to the side. The golden leaves and autumn light do the rest.
Seated poses on benches, steps, or even the ground (with a cosy blanket) create a relaxed, approachable feel. Cross your legs, lean slightly forward, and hold a prop like a mug or book.
Prop interaction gives your hands purpose. Hold a pumpkin, wrap both hands around a warm drink, adjust your scarf, or tuck hair behind your ear. These small actions make poses feel natural rather than forced.
Looking away shots — gazing into the distance or up at falling leaves — add variety and work well for contemplative brand messaging. They’re also easier if you feel awkward looking directly at the camera.
The candid laugh is a classic for good reason. Think of something genuinely funny, or have your helper say something ridiculous. Real laughter photographs far better than a forced smile.
One final tip for all poses: angle your body slightly rather than facing the camera square-on, keep your chin slightly forward and down, and relax your shoulders. A little movement between shots — shifting weight, adjusting your position — keeps things looking natural.
Best Locations for a Fall Photoshoot
Finding the right location can make or break your autumn content. Here’s where to look and what to consider.
Pumpkin Patches and Farm Shops
These are ideal for entrepreneur content because they’re designed for the public. You won’t face the restrictions that come with more formal venues, and the environment is inherently photogenic.
Look for patches with variety: different coloured pumpkins, rustic props, interesting backdrops. Go during quieter times if possible, weekday mornings or towards the end of the season.
Cosy Cafés with Character
The best cafés for photography have twinkly lights, interesting interiors, and good natural light. Search Instagram for cafés in your area and look at what other creators have posted — it’s a goldmine for fall photoshoot inspo.
I’ll happily travel further than is reasonable for the right café, because it makes such a huge difference to the end result. A beautiful setting does half the work for you. (And if the coffee’s good, that’s just research expenses, surely.)
Parks with Golden Leaves
Public parks are free, accessible, and often stunning in autumn. Look for areas with mature trees, benches for posing, and paths for walking shots.
Early morning or late afternoon gives you the best light and usually fewer people.
Beaches at Sunset
This might not be the first autumn location that springs to mind, but beaches at golden hour can feel wonderfully autumnal. Wear your cosy clothes, embrace the golden light, and use the more contemplative atmosphere.
This works particularly well for wellness brands, coaches, or anyone whose brand is slightly more reflective.
National Trust Properties and Historic Gardens
Places like Stourhead have absolutely beautiful grounds for autumn photography. The mature trees and landscaped gardens are stunning this time of year.
However, there’s a catch. Most National Trust properties and similar venues don’t allow professional photographers without prior permission and often a fee. If you’re taking a photographer with you, you’ll need to check their policies.
If you’re shooting on your phone using DIY techniques, you’re generally fine — this counts as personal photography. Just be respectful and don’t set up elaborate equipment.
Town Centres with Seasonal Décor
Many towns and cities add autumn decorations to high streets and shopping areas. Window displays, seasonal decorations, and interesting architecture all make good backdrops.
Look for areas with good light and minimal visual clutter behind you.
How to Make Your Photos Look Like Fall
Capturing the shot is only half the job. Here’s how to ensure your images scream autumn aesthetic.
Colour Grading and Presets
Editing can make a big difference to your photos. Adding warmth, boosting oranges slightly, and adjusting tones can transform a good autumn shot into a stunning one.
Lightroom presets are a game-changer. They can really add a nice orangey tone to your shots, which makes them look a lot more autumnal. I’ll link to the ones I use and recommend below.
[Insert preset link here]
The key is subtlety. You want to enhance the natural autumn tones, not make everything look like it’s been dipped in marmalade.
Props That Add Seasonal Atmosphere
Strategically placed props signal autumn immediately:
- Pumpkins (especially quirky varieties)
- Hot drinks in seasonal mugs
- Scarves and knitted accessories
- Autumn leaves (real or gathered)
- Candles and warm lighting
The Sparkler-Lighting Trick
I mentioned this earlier, but it’s worth emphasising: if you’re shooting in lower light with a light source behind you (like a bonfire or fairy lights), holding a sparkler or candle in front of your face will illuminate your features.
This prevents the dreaded silhouette effect where the background looks great but your face is completely dark.
Environmental Cues
Sometimes the simplest approach is most effective. Include obvious autumn elements in your frame:
- Trees with colourful leaves
- Fallen leaves on the ground
- Seasonal decorations
- Autumn-appropriate clothing
- Warm drinks and cosy props
Quick Tips to Maximise a 30-Minute Fall Content Session
Time is precious, especially if you’re wrangling reluctant family members into helping or racing against British weather that can’t decide what it’s doing. Here’s how to get maximum value from a short shoot.
Plan your 3 priority shots in advance. Know exactly what you want before you arrive. If you get more, wonderful. But having clear priorities means you’ll definitely walk away with something usable.
Choose one cohesive look. A single well-chosen outfit in your main autumn colour will give you consistent imagery across all your shots. You can always add or remove layers for variety.
Use the environment. Benches, fences, café windows, trees to lean against, these all give you something to interact with and make posing feel more natural. Scout your location quickly when you arrive.
Keep helpers calm. If family members are assisting, keep the mood light and don’t let perfectionism create tension. Stressed energy shows in photos, and nobody wants their brand imagery to look like it was taken thirty seconds before a divorce.
Embrace candid moments. Some of the best shots happen between poses. Walking, laughing, adjusting your scarf, these often look more natural than carefully arranged poses.
Have a backup plan. Know where you’ll shelter if weather turns, and have a backup location in mind if your first choice isn’t working.
Fall Photoshoot FAQs
What is the best month to take fall photos?
For the most vibrant autumn colours, mid-October through early November is typically peak season in the UK. However, any time from late September onwards can work beautifully for fall photo shoots, and November brings its own moody atmosphere perfect for more dramatic shots.
What colours look best in fall photos?
Warm tones work best: burnt orange, deep burgundy, golden yellow, cream, navy blue, and dark brown. These complement the natural autumn environment rather than competing with it. Avoid neons and bright whites, which can look jarring against fall backdrops.
What should you wear for a fall photoshoot?
Chunky knits, layered pieces, and cosy accessories are your friends. Choose warm-toned colours that work with your brand palette, comfortable boots you can actually walk in, and clothes that make you feel confident. Layers are practical and give you outfit variety.
How do you make photos look like fall?
Combine seasonal locations (pumpkin patches, parks with colourful leaves, cosy cafés), autumn-coloured outfits, relevant props (pumpkins, hot drinks, candles), and warm colour grading in editing. Lightroom presets that boost orange and warm tones can enhance the autumn feel significantly.
What is the best background for fall photos?
Trees with golden or colourful leaves, rustic fences, pumpkin displays, cosy café interiors with twinkly lights, or any setting with natural autumn decorations. The key is finding environments that are already doing the seasonal heavy lifting.
How can entrepreneurs plan a fall photoshoot for social media?
Start by identifying 3-5 shots you need for specific purposes (website, Instagram, newsletters). Choose a location with autumn atmosphere, plan your outfit around your brand colours plus seasonal tones, and batch your content in one efficient session. Use seasonal imagery across multiple platforms for maximum impact.
What props work well for a fall photoshoot?
Hot drinks in attractive mugs, pumpkins (especially unusual varieties), cosy blankets, seasonal flowers or leaves, books, candles, and autumn-flavoured treats. Choose props that feel natural to your brand and give you something to do with your hands.
What poses work well for a fall photoshoot?
Leaning against trees or fences, sitting on benches or steps, walking shots, looking thoughtfully into the distance, holding props like mugs or pumpkins, and candid moments all work beautifully. Use the environment to create natural interaction points rather than standing stiffly in frame.
Conclusion: How to Use Your Fall Photos Across Your Brand
You’ve braved the weather, found the perfect pumpkin patch, and somehow managed not to argue with whoever held your phone. Now what?
Your autumn imagery can work incredibly hard for you across multiple platforms.
Update your website. Swap in seasonal photos on your About page, homepage, and service pages. This immediately signals that your brand is active and current.
Refresh your LinkedIn. A new professional headshot with autumn atmosphere can boost engagement and make your profile feel updated.
Create Instagram content. Feed posts, Stories, Reels backgrounds, and even highlights covers can all feature your autumn shots. Seasonal content performs well because it feels timely and relevant. (Need design help? I’m creating some Canva templates for exactly this — stay tuned.)
Enhance your newsletters. Adding personal photography to email communications increases connection with your audience. An autumn-themed header or signature image adds warmth.
Pin to Pinterest. Autumn content performs brilliantly on Pinterest, especially if you’re creating seasonal blog posts or recipes. Your photography becomes both the content and the marketing.
Write seasonal blog posts. Even if your topic isn’t specifically autumnal, adding seasonal imagery makes content feel current. And if you can tie your expertise to autumn themes, even better for SEO and engagement.
Tell lifestyle stories. Some of my best-performing content uses autumn photos to talk about work-life balance, seasonal reflection, or behind-the-scenes moments. You don’t have to be selling all the time. Sometimes sharing what you’re doing and weaving it into your content creates the most connection with your audience.
The beautiful thing about autumn content is that it doesn’t last forever. There’s a natural urgency to capturing and using it while the season lasts. And then your cosy jumper can retire to the back of the wardrobe until next October, when you’ll do it all over again.
Now get out there before all the leaves fall off the trees.
Want to learn how to take stunning brand photos yourself? Check out my Slay Your Selfies course where I teach entrepreneurs exactly how to capture professional-looking content using just their smartphone.
